Obituary of Edna Ruth Meisner

Edna Ruth "Bebe" Meisner died Saturday, March 5, at Park Centre in Newton. She was 86. The daughter of Joseph James and Edna Ruth Woodyard Gorgas, Bebe was born Oct. 30, 1929, in Newton. As a youngster, she was nicknamed “Bebe” because she was an exceptionally speedy runner. Bebe graduated from Newton High School in 1947 and worked for a time as a telephone operator. Bebe met Lawrence “Larry” Meisner at a dance in Des Moines, and they were married Oct. 24, 1948. They lived briefly in Monticello before settling in Newton. Bebe worked alongside Larry for 50 years, building and operating a successful family business, Meisner Electric Inc. of Newton. Over the years, Bebe and Larry were members of the Newton Country Club and Friday Night Group and Potluck Club. She had enjoyed playing tennis, golf and bridge. In earlier years, the couple participated in square dancing and the Newton Jayceettes. Bebe and Larry often entertained in their home, and she was an impeccable hostess. When Larry owned airplanes, she took flying lessons and once piloted a solo flight, saying that she wanted to know how to land a plane if she ever needed to. She and Larry traveled to Europe, Africa and Central American and for many years wintered at their homes in Florida. Bebe loved tending to her beautiful flowers and precious kitties. The gracious matriarch of her family, Bebe is survived by her husband of 68 years, Lawrence Meisner, and her children, Janet (Tim) Onnen of Delray Beach, Fla.; Patricia (Rick) Bazal of Newton; and Joseph Meisner (Jane Schorer Meisner) of Urbandale. Also surviving are her six grandchildren, Erik (Debbie) Onnen of Portland, Ore.; Sarah Onnen of Delray Beach, Fla.; John (Laura Jean) Bazal of Myerstown, Penn.; Aaron (Julia) Bazal of Ames; Laura Bazal of Socorro, N.M.; and Merriah Meisner of Des Moines. Additional survivors include two step-grandchildren, Megan Schorer of Waukee and Tommy (Kari) Schorer of Iowa City; her sister, Joanne (Eddie) Smith of Newton, and seven great-grandchildren, William and Amelia Onnen, Suzanna and Ezekial Bazal, Theo and Lenora Bazal and Eloise Apps. She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Sean Meisner. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 10, also at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League and may be left at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.